In the meantime, check out these amazing progress photos of the G40 Art Summit around town by Marc Schmidt.
Image by Marc Schmidt via flickr
The Minimalist Team
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Stay Tuned...
Hey Richmond, just wanted to let you know that Minimalist is in transition right now. We are attempting to re-focus and re-energize our efforts. Odds are posting will be slim over the coming weeks but we love writing for you and about you and can't wait to get back into it full swing. Please stay tuned!
In the meantime, check out these amazing progress photos of the G40 Art Summit around town by Marc Schmidt.
Image by Marc Schmidt via flickr
The Minimalist Team
In the meantime, check out these amazing progress photos of the G40 Art Summit around town by Marc Schmidt.
Image by Marc Schmidt via flickr
The Minimalist Team
Thursday, March 8, 2012
My Story in Belle
For those of you who know me, I have a pretty dramatic story to tell about my past few years of life. I like to call it "The Three Octobers".
October 2008 - job loss
October 2009 - major break-up
October 2010 - ovarian cancer (and the beginning of Minima)
Bad things come in threes, right? October 2011 was amazing, so I'm thinking my luck has turned around. In any case, all of those life challenges made me a better person and I'm thankful for that. Karen Newton (you may know her blog I Could Go On and On) wrote a beautiful piece about my story in this month's Belle Magazine titled "Spare and Change".
Sneak peak:
But the same day her legal documents arrived in the mail to create the company, Ziegler found out she had an ovarian tumor. The business she'd started had to be put on hold. "But having a vision of starting my business got me through surgery and chemo," she says. "I was so excited about it all, so that was the light at the end of the tunnel for me."
I'm thrilled to share my story with our city. You can read the full article here, or pick up a physical copy at any one of these locations.
Kristen Ziegler
October 2008 - job loss
October 2009 - major break-up
October 2010 - ovarian cancer (and the beginning of Minima)
Bad things come in threes, right? October 2011 was amazing, so I'm thinking my luck has turned around. In any case, all of those life challenges made me a better person and I'm thankful for that. Karen Newton (you may know her blog I Could Go On and On) wrote a beautiful piece about my story in this month's Belle Magazine titled "Spare and Change".
Sneak peak:
But the same day her legal documents arrived in the mail to create the company, Ziegler found out she had an ovarian tumor. The business she'd started had to be put on hold. "But having a vision of starting my business got me through surgery and chemo," she says. "I was so excited about it all, so that was the light at the end of the tunnel for me."
I'm thrilled to share my story with our city. You can read the full article here, or pick up a physical copy at any one of these locations.
Kristen Ziegler
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Staying Sane February
For those of you who have been following us for awhile, you might remember our "Staying Sane" posts that we've taken a bit of a hiatus from recently. Well, they're back! We like to share what we did to keep us happy at the end of each month. It's is all about the little things, right?
Kristen - I'm always looking for ways to create more free time for myself. Aside from enjoying an aesthetically pleasing space, it's one of the main reasons for my minimalist lifestyle. Less stuff = less maintenance. Earlier this month when we started having Spring-like weather, I decided I should clean my windows. I noticed the blinds that came with the apartment were a little dirty and attempted to clean them as well without much success (years of caked on grime isn't easy to remove). They looked better, but I still thought they were pretty unappealing. I remembered a conversation I'd had a few weeks earlier with Sally over at Metro Modern. She and her husband, David, don't have any window coverings in their Fan row house. I thought to myself, "Do I really need window treatments?" I decided to leave the blinds down for a few days and see how it felt. I LOVE it! The view is so much better and the rooms are even brighter. The outline of the windows without any blinds creates a very clean look AND I don't have to dust or wipe down another blind as long as I live there (time savings = 4 to 6 hrs/yr) . I did purchase some inexpensive curtains from IKEA for my bedroom. (A little) modesty can be a good thing.
Before and after. Granted, the before was taken at night, but it still illustrates the undesirable-ness of the blinds.
Christie - With the recent launch of Fibre Craft's website, I've been sewing and making like a mad woman. My stock pile of material had begun to get a bit out of control and was making it really hard to be efficient in my "studio" (read: large desk in the corner of my room). I decided to make some more space to store materials and supplies under my bed by going through some old boxes and clearing out nearly four trash bags full of stuff to give away.
I was able to fit one large wine crate box and two vintage suitcases full of material under my bed in place of the things I gave away. I also finally added tags to my smaller boxes so it's easier to find notions and scraps when I need them. Lastly, it freed up a ton of space under my desk making the room feel a lot less cluttered. It's really helped keep the inspiration flowing in the one place of my apartment that I need it the most.
Kristen - I'm always looking for ways to create more free time for myself. Aside from enjoying an aesthetically pleasing space, it's one of the main reasons for my minimalist lifestyle. Less stuff = less maintenance. Earlier this month when we started having Spring-like weather, I decided I should clean my windows. I noticed the blinds that came with the apartment were a little dirty and attempted to clean them as well without much success (years of caked on grime isn't easy to remove). They looked better, but I still thought they were pretty unappealing. I remembered a conversation I'd had a few weeks earlier with Sally over at Metro Modern. She and her husband, David, don't have any window coverings in their Fan row house. I thought to myself, "Do I really need window treatments?" I decided to leave the blinds down for a few days and see how it felt. I LOVE it! The view is so much better and the rooms are even brighter. The outline of the windows without any blinds creates a very clean look AND I don't have to dust or wipe down another blind as long as I live there (time savings = 4 to 6 hrs/yr) . I did purchase some inexpensive curtains from IKEA for my bedroom. (A little) modesty can be a good thing.
Before and after. Granted, the before was taken at night, but it still illustrates the undesirable-ness of the blinds.
Christie - With the recent launch of Fibre Craft's website, I've been sewing and making like a mad woman. My stock pile of material had begun to get a bit out of control and was making it really hard to be efficient in my "studio" (read: large desk in the corner of my room). I decided to make some more space to store materials and supplies under my bed by going through some old boxes and clearing out nearly four trash bags full of stuff to give away.
I was able to fit one large wine crate box and two vintage suitcases full of material under my bed in place of the things I gave away. I also finally added tags to my smaller boxes so it's easier to find notions and scraps when I need them. Lastly, it freed up a ton of space under my desk making the room feel a lot less cluttered. It's really helped keep the inspiration flowing in the one place of my apartment that I need it the most.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Be The Match Registry
All of us here at Minimalist have been personally touched by the effects of cancer in its array of manifestations, so we take every opportunity we can to promote awareness and support in finding a cure. Very recently, Minimalist writer Emily Jones' little cousin Abby completed the year-long treatment phase for A.L.L. and moved into maintenance, which is about an 18 month process directed at preventing relapse. Should a relapse occur for her, she may possibly need a bone marrow transplant. Bone marrow transplants can often times come from immediate family members, such as parents or siblings, but sometimes they are not close enough matches. That is where you can help- become a donor.
The National Bone Marrow Donor Program is the world's leading
matching organization of bone marrow donors to recipients in need.
Since 1987, their Be The Match Registry has facilitated over 43,000 marrow transplants
that have given leukemia, lymphoma, and sickle cell patients a greater
survival rate as they fight the good fight. The registry has grown to
more than 9 million potential donors who are willing to donate marrow to
someone they do not yet know, which is downright awesome by our
standards.
Throughout January 2012, the American Express Foundation has provided a grant that will pay for all costs associated with joining the Be The Match Registry for any volunteer who signs up. The Minimalist team would like to encourage all of our readers to take a moment to consider this opportunity, as your decision to join could quite literally save someone's life. Please read this before you make your commitment.
Minimalist writer Christie Thompson actually knows someone who's life was saved by the registry:
My good friend was diagnosed with Leukemia in the Spring of 2010 and after his first round of treatment and being told he was cancer free, had the incredibly devastating news of finding out only months later that his cancer had returned. At that point, there was no other option than to proceed with a Bone Marrow Transplant since his cells were unlikely to ever return back to normal after the cancer. He went through some of the hardest months of his life - physically and emotionally, to receive the transplant, which ultimately saved his life. An organization I was a part of in college was able to get over 50 students registered with Be The Match in his honor last Spring and now you have the chance as well.
Be The Match pays nearly $100 per individual registration, so this opportunity from the American Express Foundation is incredible and beyond necessary. The survey is short, as it takes no more than 15 minutes online, and they will mail the registration kit directly to your home. It's so simple! We encourage you to make the choice to potentially give someone a second chance at life. It would mean the world to us at Minimalist, not to mention those currently battling life threatening diseases. (On that note, Christie's friend is doing incredibly well and healing at an unbelievable rate! His new stem cells gave him that chance.)
If you decide that marrow donation is not for you, but you still wish to support the National Bone Marrow Donor Program, you may make a financial contribution through their website.
Emily Jones & Christie Thompson
Throughout January 2012, the American Express Foundation has provided a grant that will pay for all costs associated with joining the Be The Match Registry for any volunteer who signs up. The Minimalist team would like to encourage all of our readers to take a moment to consider this opportunity, as your decision to join could quite literally save someone's life. Please read this before you make your commitment.
Minimalist writer Christie Thompson actually knows someone who's life was saved by the registry:
My good friend was diagnosed with Leukemia in the Spring of 2010 and after his first round of treatment and being told he was cancer free, had the incredibly devastating news of finding out only months later that his cancer had returned. At that point, there was no other option than to proceed with a Bone Marrow Transplant since his cells were unlikely to ever return back to normal after the cancer. He went through some of the hardest months of his life - physically and emotionally, to receive the transplant, which ultimately saved his life. An organization I was a part of in college was able to get over 50 students registered with Be The Match in his honor last Spring and now you have the chance as well.
Be The Match pays nearly $100 per individual registration, so this opportunity from the American Express Foundation is incredible and beyond necessary. The survey is short, as it takes no more than 15 minutes online, and they will mail the registration kit directly to your home. It's so simple! We encourage you to make the choice to potentially give someone a second chance at life. It would mean the world to us at Minimalist, not to mention those currently battling life threatening diseases. (On that note, Christie's friend is doing incredibly well and healing at an unbelievable rate! His new stem cells gave him that chance.)
If you decide that marrow donation is not for you, but you still wish to support the National Bone Marrow Donor Program, you may make a financial contribution through their website.
Emily Jones & Christie Thompson
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Pictures + Words
Over the past year I've spent a lot of time documenting my work, my time and my experiences. School requires a certain amount of this as do job and residency applications. At first I took the practical approach by laying out my words and images in simple grids and when binding was necessary I used a plain metal coil. However, after a few compilations I became a little bored. I looked at the books and portfolios of artists and designers that seemed way more like play than work. As a result my books and portfolios have changed dramatically and I'm happy to say look way more like play than work too! I think the best parts are the sketches, watercolors, comments and quotes that show not just facts but humor and whimsy. Most of us aren't professional artists nor are we established writers but we have thoughts and talents and sharing those with friends and family can mean more than a fancy coffee table book or novel.
Steel Petal Press One great tool is Lulu. Both a publisher and a book fabricator, it's a fantastic online services where you can use one of their many templates or go rogue and create your own. Cookbooks, novels, portfolios, photo books, wedding albums, calendars and e-books... you name it! I'm currently using their service to make a book which requires me to upload a pdf of my text and images (the website walks you through the simple, limited steps), select the cover and binding and voila, for approximately $25 I'll have my softcover 85 page book.
roughdrAftbooksEmily Smith
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
A Plan for Shockoe Bottom: Get Involved
i.e.* is a collaborative community initiative to discover, support and accelerate Richmond's cross-industry creativity & innovation.
The city of Richmond has reached out to i.e.* to help facilitate a creative brainstorming session focused on making the economic development plan for Shockoe Bottom authentic, viable, and relevant to the community. The event will take place today at 4:30 pm! Head over to the Virginia Holocaust Museum at 2000 E Cary Street for the conversation and break-out sessions, followed by drinks and snacks at 6 pm provided by The Old City Bar.
This is a fantastic opportunity to have your opinions and ideas heard by the city and meet others who also have a passion for Richmond and where it's headed. RSVP on Facebook here.
Still have questions? Contact Chrystal Neal, Director of Creativity and Innovation at the Greater Richmond Chamber.
Christie Thompson
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Thoughts of a Long Distance Runner: The 20 Miler
This morning, at around mile eight, we hit the Nickel Bridge. It was still early, about 8:45, and the sun had not yet burned off the dense, blizzard-like, white-out fog that was hanging above the James. My friend Liz and I descended the quarter mile or so to the base of the bridge, and the fog enveloped us. We could see no more than 10 feet in any direction yet we could hear the river slapping the rocks some 100 feet below. The air was cool, crisp, very much the type of fall morning that defines what a “fall morning” is as long as you live. To our left, the east, was the rising sun, by my guess about four fingers above the horizon. I say “guess” because there was no outline of the sun, just the suggestion of one, and it’s bright, radiating aura illuminating the mist.
I've experienced this mystical feeling fog once before in my life - it was at Mario Botta’s Angeli Chapel at the top of Monte Tamaro in Switzerland. That day, I was accompanied by my camera, so I have photographic assistance in recalling the details of that day - the spacial relationships your mind tends to forget as the memory slips farther into your past. But what I've found is that, looking at these photographs now almost five years later, they will never recreate that feeling. In fact, they almost take away from it; flattening the exhilaration I had standing there in the mist, cantilevered out over the edge of the chapel.
I thought of those photos as I ran deeper into the fog this morning, and for the first time in my life I was thankful I was camera-less. I was free of feeling I had to encapsulate the entirety of that experience in a photograph.
. . . . . .
And there we were, floating through the clouds, literally gliding across the bridge on our runner’s highs.
Liz turned to me and said, nearly breathless, “This is our church. This is why we run.”
She was right. That was the type of run that stays with you forever, the kind that reminds you of the blood pumping through your veins; the type of run that makes you feel alive.
As we reached the end of the bridge I could start to see the outline of the rocks, the trees, the shoreline start to appear - our time in this fleeting moment was drawing to a close. I used every ounce of my memory to try and etch that experience in my head; I threw my hands in the air, took a deep, deep breath, and picked up the pace. 8 down, 12 to go.
Emily Jones
- - - - -
Emily is currently training for the Richmond Marathon, which will take place on Saturday, November 12, 2011.
I've experienced this mystical feeling fog once before in my life - it was at Mario Botta’s Angeli Chapel at the top of Monte Tamaro in Switzerland. That day, I was accompanied by my camera, so I have photographic assistance in recalling the details of that day - the spacial relationships your mind tends to forget as the memory slips farther into your past. But what I've found is that, looking at these photographs now almost five years later, they will never recreate that feeling. In fact, they almost take away from it; flattening the exhilaration I had standing there in the mist, cantilevered out over the edge of the chapel.
I thought of those photos as I ran deeper into the fog this morning, and for the first time in my life I was thankful I was camera-less. I was free of feeling I had to encapsulate the entirety of that experience in a photograph.
. . . . . .
And there we were, floating through the clouds, literally gliding across the bridge on our runner’s highs.
Liz turned to me and said, nearly breathless, “This is our church. This is why we run.”
She was right. That was the type of run that stays with you forever, the kind that reminds you of the blood pumping through your veins; the type of run that makes you feel alive.
As we reached the end of the bridge I could start to see the outline of the rocks, the trees, the shoreline start to appear - our time in this fleeting moment was drawing to a close. I used every ounce of my memory to try and etch that experience in my head; I threw my hands in the air, took a deep, deep breath, and picked up the pace. 8 down, 12 to go.
Emily Jones
- - - - -
Emily is currently training for the Richmond Marathon, which will take place on Saturday, November 12, 2011.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
VCU Masterplan: Share Your Thoughts
Virginia Commonwealth University is currently updating it's Master Site Plan, "VCU 2020," with help from local architecture firm, BCWH, along with Ayers Saint Gross of Baltimore. The plan is formulated to help the University grow strategically and thoughtfully throughout Richmond and the broader community. You have a unique opportunity to give them your feedback on what you think is positive and negative about the current campus and what you would like to see in the future. Even if you are not a student, we all basically live in VCU's backyard and are impacted by the plans and decisions made by the University. So here's your chance to have your say in what happens next on and around the VCU campus!
Christie Thompson
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Pink Ink Fundraiser + Farewell Steve Jobs
{Author's note: This post is potentially NSFW.}
Amy Black, owner of Trademark Tatoo in Carytown
Emily's post yesterday seems to have been perfectly timed. It has got me thinking about giving and the daily impact we have on one another's lives. I had just come across RVA Magazine's article on Amy Black, owner of Trademark Tattoo in Carytown, and the amazing things she is doing to use her tattooing talents to help women who have survived breast cancer, and realized it was the perfect follow-up post to Emily's ideas on RADness.
Amy Black, owner of Trademark Tatoo in Carytown
Emily's post yesterday seems to have been perfectly timed. It has got me thinking about giving and the daily impact we have on one another's lives. I had just come across RVA Magazine's article on Amy Black, owner of Trademark Tattoo in Carytown, and the amazing things she is doing to use her tattooing talents to help women who have survived breast cancer, and realized it was the perfect follow-up post to Emily's ideas on RADness.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Random Awesome Deeds {RADness}
The idea for this post -Random Awesome Deeds- requires a little of a back story, so hold tight while I explain...
My sweet little cousin, Abby, was diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) in March of this year, and needless to say it hasn't been a walk in the park for her, or my family, as she's gone through the ups and downs associated with the necessary treatments. What has really amazed me, apart from her resilience and determination, is how the community has really gathered around her and her family to support them during the most stressful and scary weeks. At least once a week, my aunt shares stories with us of an incredible and selfess act of kindness by a friend, the community, and even sometimes a total stranger, and it humbles me more and more each time.
My sweet little cousin, Abby, was diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) in March of this year, and needless to say it hasn't been a walk in the park for her, or my family, as she's gone through the ups and downs associated with the necessary treatments. What has really amazed me, apart from her resilience and determination, is how the community has really gathered around her and her family to support them during the most stressful and scary weeks. At least once a week, my aunt shares stories with us of an incredible and selfess act of kindness by a friend, the community, and even sometimes a total stranger, and it humbles me more and more each time.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Weekend Events!
It's Friday folks - grab your galoshes and get ready for an epic weekend. From shows, to festivals, to dance parties - we've got you covered with the {list} below. (We know we're a tad late but c'mon, did you really think we'd leave you hanging without your official weekend guide?)
Cults know how to get down.
Cults know how to get down.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Unhappy Hipsters
Many of you have probably seen this site already. If not, have a look. It's a cynical/comedic take on modern life.
Kristen Ziegler
Kristen Ziegler
Monday, July 11, 2011
Job Lovin'
Top five reasons why I like (er, love) what I do, in no particular order:
1. Organizing is one of my favorite things. People pay me to do it for/with them. Win win.
2. On the days when I'm not with clients, I get to work from home in my yoga pants.
3. I'm my own boss. I do things my own way.
4. I get to expense cool things like an iPad and new Pumas for work (legit, I promise).
5. I make my clients' lives better. There's not much more satisfying than seeing how stoked (and often relieved) they are at the end of an intense session.
Yay!
Starting my own business has been one of the best life changes I've made thus far. I highly recommend taking the risk if you have a great idea to start something new. Also, I've been making myself available for coffee chats about entrepreneurship (usually at Lamplighter) if anyone would like to pick my brain!
Kristen Ziegler
1. Organizing is one of my favorite things. People pay me to do it for/with them. Win win.
2. On the days when I'm not with clients, I get to work from home in my yoga pants.
3. I'm my own boss. I do things my own way.
4. I get to expense cool things like an iPad and new Pumas for work (legit, I promise).
5. I make my clients' lives better. There's not much more satisfying than seeing how stoked (and often relieved) they are at the end of an intense session.
Yay!
Starting my own business has been one of the best life changes I've made thus far. I highly recommend taking the risk if you have a great idea to start something new. Also, I've been making myself available for coffee chats about entrepreneurship (usually at Lamplighter) if anyone would like to pick my brain!
Kristen Ziegler
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Bohemian Richmond
Everyone has their own impression of a city. Last week I reconnected with The Dandy Warhols album, Thirteen Tales from Urban Bohemia. This song is so Richmond to me - veganism, hipsters and partial nudity (semi-kid). But seriously, that bar could be Ipanema.
What song best represents your Richmond? Share in the comments below!
Kristen Ziegler
What song best represents your Richmond? Share in the comments below!
Kristen Ziegler
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Minimalist Update
Hey readers! You may have noticed we haven't posted anything yet this week...
Lady Coco is on the edge of her seat with anticipation!
That's because the team and I are taking a step back to discuss the direction of our blog. After tonight, we hope to bring you an even better Minimalist. Stay tuned!
Kristen Ziegler
Lady Coco is on the edge of her seat with anticipation!
That's because the team and I are taking a step back to discuss the direction of our blog. After tonight, we hope to bring you an even better Minimalist. Stay tuned!
Kristen Ziegler
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Staying Sane June
Each month, Minimalist writers share our thoughts on "staying sane".
Kristen's back porch nap zone
KZ - In many summers past, I've chosen productivity over enjoying the awesome weather. In reality, the to do list will never end, so I've decided to take summer back this year and relax as much as business will allow. I've been hitting Texas Beach about once a week and enjoying late night events with friends. It helps that I love my job, but I've also been drinking a Carnation Breakfast Essentials drink every morning that I have to work. Even if I was out until 2 am the night before, the drink wakes me right up and I'm on my game.
ES - I've been struggling to come up with my "Staying Sane" post this month but finally realized that what has kept me sane this month are a few good friends. I've had a month with a lot of highs but a few significant lows and on a couple of occasions called up said friends and just, basically, said I needed help. I hate asking for help but those few friends were totally the right people at the right time to distract, help and comfort me till I got through the slump. Cheers to them, they know who they are.
EJ - When I think back to the happenings of the last month, the last word that comes to mind is "sane". Between the awesome Richmond events and festivals, weekends full of traveling and visitors, recharged side projects, seemingly endless birthday celebrations for all my Gemini friends, and a rigorous training schedule, I'm not even entirely sure where the last month went. Much like Emily Smith, I too was struggling with what to write for "Staying Sane" this month- until my family came to visit last weekend. It's very rare for my mom, dad, brother and myself to find ourselves in the same room, and even more rare for us to have the time to really catch up and enjoy ourselves. Having them all here with me was therapeutic and grounding, which was absolutely the perfect ending to a chaotic, but stellar month. Thank you, family, for keeping me sane.
Kristen's back porch nap zone
KZ - In many summers past, I've chosen productivity over enjoying the awesome weather. In reality, the to do list will never end, so I've decided to take summer back this year and relax as much as business will allow. I've been hitting Texas Beach about once a week and enjoying late night events with friends. It helps that I love my job, but I've also been drinking a Carnation Breakfast Essentials drink every morning that I have to work. Even if I was out until 2 am the night before, the drink wakes me right up and I'm on my game.
ES - I've been struggling to come up with my "Staying Sane" post this month but finally realized that what has kept me sane this month are a few good friends. I've had a month with a lot of highs but a few significant lows and on a couple of occasions called up said friends and just, basically, said I needed help. I hate asking for help but those few friends were totally the right people at the right time to distract, help and comfort me till I got through the slump. Cheers to them, they know who they are.
EJ - When I think back to the happenings of the last month, the last word that comes to mind is "sane". Between the awesome Richmond events and festivals, weekends full of traveling and visitors, recharged side projects, seemingly endless birthday celebrations for all my Gemini friends, and a rigorous training schedule, I'm not even entirely sure where the last month went. Much like Emily Smith, I too was struggling with what to write for "Staying Sane" this month- until my family came to visit last weekend. It's very rare for my mom, dad, brother and myself to find ourselves in the same room, and even more rare for us to have the time to really catch up and enjoy ourselves. Having them all here with me was therapeutic and grounding, which was absolutely the perfect ending to a chaotic, but stellar month. Thank you, family, for keeping me sane.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Discoveries at Texas Beach
Yesterday I realized something pretty profound about myself.
I don't hate the outdoors, after all.
Being a minimalist, one might think, "Obviously, she likes the outdoors." Hello, Henry Thoreau? Walden? Nope. When I was a little girl, I had several negative Girl Scout camping and hiking experiences that have lead me to believe in my adult life that I dislike outdoorsy activities (with the exception of things involving water and and lounging, of course). I kind of like skiing, but not really. Playing in the snow has always been cool with me. But hiking? Camping? Being in the woods? No way!
I've always disliked this aspect of myself, because everyone I enjoy spending time with seems to like the outdoors. After yesterday, I realize I do too. I finally understand the draw.
I don't hate the outdoors, after all.
Being a minimalist, one might think, "Obviously, she likes the outdoors." Hello, Henry Thoreau? Walden? Nope. When I was a little girl, I had several negative Girl Scout camping and hiking experiences that have lead me to believe in my adult life that I dislike outdoorsy activities (with the exception of things involving water and and lounging, of course). I kind of like skiing, but not really. Playing in the snow has always been cool with me. But hiking? Camping? Being in the woods? No way!
I've always disliked this aspect of myself, because everyone I enjoy spending time with seems to like the outdoors. After yesterday, I realize I do too. I finally understand the draw.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Staying Sane May
Each month, Minimalist writers share how we "stay sane" in an increasingly fast-paced world. Read our May reflections below.
KZ - This month I've started designating one day a week for reading (usually Sunday). Whether it be my copy of Real Simple or Inc. (small business 'zine), a novel or an organizing book, I feel refreshed, relaxed and more knowledgeable afterward. With the warmer weather, my reading has been taking place on my back porch with a glass of Simply Lemonade (or, as many of you know - straight from the jug). As a result of a recent Real Simple reading day, my diet improved! I prefer to have five or so snacks a day rather than three big meals, which is apparently healthier. Check out this article - "24 Nutritious (and Tasty) Snacks". So far I have tried the cucumber with Swiss cheese as well as the Melba toast with cream cheese and dried cranberries. Food for me has to be quick and simple (I don't enjoy cooking, or the mess it makes) and these combos are right on the mark.
KZ - This month I've started designating one day a week for reading (usually Sunday). Whether it be my copy of Real Simple or Inc. (small business 'zine), a novel or an organizing book, I feel refreshed, relaxed and more knowledgeable afterward. With the warmer weather, my reading has been taking place on my back porch with a glass of Simply Lemonade (or, as many of you know - straight from the jug). As a result of a recent Real Simple reading day, my diet improved! I prefer to have five or so snacks a day rather than three big meals, which is apparently healthier. Check out this article - "24 Nutritious (and Tasty) Snacks". So far I have tried the cucumber with Swiss cheese as well as the Melba toast with cream cheese and dried cranberries. Food for me has to be quick and simple (I don't enjoy cooking, or the mess it makes) and these combos are right on the mark.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Farewell AMV
Co-writer Miss Anne Marie Vastano has officially left us for the big 'ole District of Columbia. We'll miss her lots and wish her the best in her new ventures up North!
As a farewell, here are our top ten Anne Marie-isms:
1. Complains a lot when in the vicinity of fried chicken.
2. Uh-mazing shoe collection.
3. St. Francis of Richmond (patron saint of animals).
4. Inventor of the term "zeard " (zit beard).
5. ...and the "zustache".
6. ...and the "zoatee".
7. Has really, really cute "stink faces".
8. Has one of the best Mid-Century Modern collections in town.
9. Dancin' machine!
10. Would totally beat Pamela Anderson to hostess for the upcoming vegan cooking show - while wearing one of Pam's eco-friendly bikinis.
xoxo,
The Minimalist team
As a farewell, here are our top ten Anne Marie-isms:
1. Complains a lot when in the vicinity of fried chicken.
2. Uh-mazing shoe collection.
3. St. Francis of Richmond (patron saint of animals).
4. Inventor of the term "zeard " (zit beard).
5. ...and the "zustache".
6. ...and the "zoatee".
7. Has really, really cute "stink faces".
8. Has one of the best Mid-Century Modern collections in town.
9. Dancin' machine!
10. Would totally beat Pamela Anderson to hostess for the upcoming vegan cooking show - while wearing one of Pam's eco-friendly bikinis.
xoxo,
The Minimalist team
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Why Minimalism?
I think we can all understand the benefits of a minimalist lifestyle - less ties to materialistic things, a free life, saving money, small eco-footprint, etc. You might chuckle a bit when I explain a less expected reason I choose to live this way.
Decisions give me anxiety.
It's not that I don't want to make a decision in order to keep all possibilities open. It's quite the opposite - I'm very concerned with making a good decision. I will turn things over in my brain and analyze the possible options from every angle imaginable (I'm a Meyers Briggs INTJ, for anyone who might be wondering). If you've ever seen me shop in IKEA, you probably have a perfect mental image of what I'm talking about.
Clutter is nothing more than unmade decisions. Clutter, therefore, gives me anxiety. Fewer possessions = fewer decisions = little to no clutter stress! That's the equation that I've found works for me. There are certainly other reasons why I choose a minimalist lifestyle, but I find this one to be amusing.
Fortunately it's only my own clutter/decisions that evoke anxiety, otherwise I wouldn't be very good at my job. I always explain to my organizing clients that it's important to find systems that work for the way they live. There are no cookie cutter solutions. Minimalism is not necessarily a good fit for everyone. It just happens to work quite nicely for me.
Kristen Ziegler
Decisions give me anxiety.
It's not that I don't want to make a decision in order to keep all possibilities open. It's quite the opposite - I'm very concerned with making a good decision. I will turn things over in my brain and analyze the possible options from every angle imaginable (I'm a Meyers Briggs INTJ, for anyone who might be wondering). If you've ever seen me shop in IKEA, you probably have a perfect mental image of what I'm talking about.
Clutter is nothing more than unmade decisions. Clutter, therefore, gives me anxiety. Fewer possessions = fewer decisions = little to no clutter stress! That's the equation that I've found works for me. There are certainly other reasons why I choose a minimalist lifestyle, but I find this one to be amusing.
Fortunately it's only my own clutter/decisions that evoke anxiety, otherwise I wouldn't be very good at my job. I always explain to my organizing clients that it's important to find systems that work for the way they live. There are no cookie cutter solutions. Minimalism is not necessarily a good fit for everyone. It just happens to work quite nicely for me.
Kristen Ziegler